RNL vs SWC

I have cast, loaded and fired thousands each of 358311 (158 RNL) and both 358156 and 357446 (Thompson 160 SWC w/ & w/o GC), mostly in wheelweight. I've found them to be pretty much interchangeable as to accuracy in my Model 13-2, a Model 15, a 6 1/2" Blackhawk, and a Rossi Puma carbine. The 358429 (Keith 170 SWC) shoots to a different, but just as consistent POI.

Larry
 
I was back to the range again today with two different .38's and once again, the RNL bullet load came out on top. Not by much, but the tighter groups were with the RNL. This was by no means a scientific test but over the course of time and with many different loads it seems to be true for me. RNL seems to shoot more accurately. If I'm just shooting paper targets, I think I prefer the RNL bullet. At the same time though, it seems that WC's also work great.
Chris
 
It's all your guy's fault! Had to go out and spend more of my hard earned cash just to do this test! Found a 358311, 2 cavity mould for $40 and should have it in a few days. Got several things to do first and then I will give this thing a decent test too.

For those that have done this already, is it gun specific? Does one of your firearms shoot better with one and the other doesn't?

Just wondering how many 38 caliber guns I have to take to the range at once! :)
 
smith crazy said:
It's all your guy's fault! Had to go out and spend more of my hard earned cash just to do this test! Found a 358311, 2 cavity mould for $40 and should have it in a few days. Got several things to do first and then I will give this thing a decent test too.

For those that have done this already, is it gun specific? Does one of your firearms shoot better with one and the other doesn't?

Just wondering how many 38 caliber guns I have to take to the range at once! :)
Click to expand...

It seems like all of my .38's shoot better with RNL. That's not to say that they don't shoot well with SWC's. I just find that the RNL groups always seem to be inside the SWC groups. FWIW, I also get good results with DEWC's, but have not really shot enough of these to get the same kind of impression. They weigh less and do not hit to POA from my fixed-sight guns.
Chris
 
Very interesting discussions. Appricate the real world feedback you guys are provinding. Seems RN is perferred over SWC.

My interest in this thread is oriented towards developing a load that replicates the American Eagle (Federal) 158 LRN ammo. I have been shooting this ammo for the NRA DR matches and is now down to my last couple of boxes.

Now that reloads are allowed for the DR matches, I would very much like to get set up with a load for practice and matches.

Any recommendations:

- souces for RN bullets.
- suggested starting loads (Bullseye perferred) (my current load of 3.0 gr of BE with LazerCast 158 SWC is not working)

Anyone have experiences with the Zero 158gr swaged bullets?

Looking forward to seeing more results posted.
 
My Model 64 snub seems to have some stability issues with commercial cast 158 gr. LRN. At least it does at the lower velocities. I don't take this bullet seriously enough as a defensive proposition to drive it fast to see what happens. But 158 gr. SWC loaded to about 950+ FPS always prints round holes and is accurate.

Speaking of other cartridges, what's really bizarre is 9mm 124 gr. LRN out of my 2" Model 940. This bullet shoots amazingly well with a moderately heavy charge of 231 and is stable out to at least the 100 yards that I have tried it. But the slightly pointy cast bullets and FP usually hit sideways and won't stay on a man at 25 yards. The FP also keyholes out of two carbines in which it has been tried. I don't understand it.

Dave Sinko
 
I tried SWCs in my Glock 30 with both the factory barrel and a Storm Lake barrel. The G30 choked on them. Tried everything to get them to work and no dice. Switched to LRNs and they feed like a champ. They shoot better than I do.

On the other hand, my 4566 feeds everything perfectly. I think if I filled the mag with rocks, it would feed that too.
 
mososodbob said:
Very interesting discussions. Appricate the real world feedback you guys are provinding. Seems RN is perferred over SWC.

My interest in this thread is oriented towards developing a load that replicates the American Eagle (Federal) 158 LRN ammo. I have been shooting this ammo for the NRA DR matches and is now down to my last couple of boxes.

Now that reloads are allowed for the DR matches, I would very much like to get set up with a load for practice and matches.

Any recommendations:

- souces for RN bullets.
- suggested starting loads (Bullseye perferred) (my current load of 3.0 gr of BE with LazerCast 158 SWC is not working)

Anyone have experiences with the Zero 158gr swaged bullets?

Looking forward to seeing more results posted.
Click to expand...

I can't help with a BE load, I use HP-38/Win 231, but there was a thread a while back about duplicating the .38 special factory load (158 gr RNL @ about 775 FPS) with a variety of powders. I'm sure BE was among them. Try a search.
For bullets, I like Mastercast.
Chris
 
3.6 grains of Bullseye and a Lyman 358311 is what I use in my K-38 Target Masterpiece with a 6" barrel. Shoots into the 10 ring of an NRA B-8 target at 25 yards with no problems at all.
 
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Expanded Discussion - Swaged or Cast, roll or taper crimp

ChuckS1 said:
3.6 grains of Bullseye and a Lyman 368311 is what I use in my K-38 Target Masterpiece with a 6" barrel. Shoots into the 10 ring of an NRA B-8 target at 25 yards with no problems at all.
Click to expand...

Chuck: Thanks for the load data. What weight does your mold produce? NRA DR rule calls for 158gr RN or SWC.

For others: What are your experiences with accuracy results with SWAGED verses CAST. Additionally, roll crimp veses taper crimp. Location of the crimp is appricated...do you alway s crimp at the crimping groove?

Again, this is an exercise for accurate paper punching loads...

Thanks for sharing you experiences.
 
I know my .38 shoots better with 158 grain cast SWC's than RNL anyday of the week. With my handloads of 3.8 grains of Win 231 this load walks all over any factory 158 RNL I have tried.
 
mososodbob said:
Chuck: Thanks for the load data. What weight does your mold produce? NRA DR rule calls for 158gr RN or SWC.
Click to expand...

I use straight wheelweights and they come out around 160 grains. I've used this for DR. Oops, that should have been 358311, not 368311, but I guess everyone knows that.
 
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I had always turned my nose up at roundnose bullets. Then someone gave me an old Ideal mould for the 358311 bullet, and I tried some over 3.8 grains of Titegroup. Shot more accurately in a .38 Heavy Duty and several .357's than any other bullet I've tried other than hollow-base wadcutters.
 
I've found that all else being equal, there is no difference in accuracy in bullet type – it all depends on the individual gun/ powder combo. WC, SWC and RN are all capable of excellent accuracy when mated with the right load in the right revo. But if you're looking for a quality BNL bullet at a very attractive price, contact Mike at Mastercast. His 160 gr .38 RNL soft cast is an excellent bullet. I've started using them in IDPA – they are extremely accurate, don't lead at all (I'm using Solo 1000) and work like a champ in speedloaders. Excellent customer service to boot.
 
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